Childcare Network #339

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. “Supervision” means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children’s actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

During an incident investigation, it was determined that on April 14, 2022, a four-month-old infant sustained a burn on the arm from a hot bottle that was lodged between the infant’s arm and the corner of an interior child-sized swing. There was sufficient and conclusive evidence to support the allegation that staff failed to provide adequate supervision and watchful oversight when they could not explain how a four-month-old infant sustained a burn to the arm while in care. After the assistant teacher returned from a break, the staff began to get the four-month-old infant ready for dismissal. While transitioning the infant from the swing to the infant’s car seat, a bottle that was described as hot to the touch was discovered. Additionally, during the transition, a wound was discovered on the back of the infant’s arm above the elbow. Staff interviews revealed that the infant was provided a bottle that was hot to the touch. The bottle was observed to be next to the infant, but staff did not realize that the bottle was there until the bottle was picked up during the exchange with the parent. The infant required professional medical attention and was treated for a burn.

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591-1-1-.15(2)(a) · Rule 591-1-1-.15(2)(a) requires that center Personnel shall hold and feed infants less than six (6) months of age and older children who cannot hold their own bottles or sit alone. Baby bottles shall never be propped; the infant’s head shall be elevated while feeding.

During an investigation, it was determined that on April 14, 2022, a four-month-old infant was fed a bottle that was propped up with two blankets, in the infant classroom. The investigation revealed that center staff propped two blankets up across the chest of the victim child to feed the four-month-old infant. Staff interviews, reports from Law Enforcement and the Division of Family and Children Services indicated that a staff member propped a bottle up using two small blankets across the infant’s chest. The bottle allegedly rolled across the blankets and was lodged between the infant’s arm and the corner of the seat of the child-sized, interior swing. In an interview, center staff admitted to propping the bottle for the four-month-old infant to drink because the infant was not able to hold the bottle on their own.

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591-1-1-.15(6)(f) · Rule 591-1-1-.15(6)(f) requires that hot food shall not be served at a temperature which would cause the children to burn their mouths upon consuming the food.

During an investigation, it was determined that on April 14, 2022, a four-month-old infant was served a bottle that was hot to the touch. The investigation revealed that an overly heated bottle rolled down two blankets laying across the chest of the four-month-old infant and lodged between the child’s arm and the corner of the child-sized interior swing. Once discovered, the hot bottle had caused a wound that was later identified as a burn. Staff statements were consistent that a bottle that was found in the swing where the victim child was observed and later transitioned into a car seat was hot to the touch. Staff statements confirmed that the infant ingested a small portion of the contents from the bottle and cried. Staff interviews confirmed that the plastic bottle was able to be pressed and was not firm due to overheating. Staff reported that a bottle warmer was used to heat the bottle but could not provide a timeframe for how long the bottle was inside the warmer. The bottle served to the four-month-old infant caused a burn to the infant’s arm when the bottle was discovered to be touching the infant’s arm. Professional medical treatment was required.

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591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. “Supervision” means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children’s actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

During a complaint closure it was determined on October 27, 2021, Based on the investigative findings, staff statements, and supporting documentation, revealed that a three-year-old child was left unsupervised on the playground. Staff became aware quickly and intervened by ensuring that child was placed back with her class and teacher.

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